Luz, Color, y Alegría

When I was six and living in Rome, I was in love with the cheap, light up, flying toys that filled the plazas at night. Vendors would launch them into the sky, and managed to catch them each time, enticing children and their parents to purchase the gizmos. Now, as an adult, I understand my parents' frustration when I would beg and beg for the bright, ever-flashing toys. I was totally not concerned about how long the toy would last (hours, probably) or how the purchase would be a complete and total waste of money, or how it would be impossible to use in our closet-sized apartment. All I knew is that watching the flying lights was mesmerizing, awe-inspiring. How could I resist the desire that such joy might be mine each and every day?

During these past eight days, I have participated in more festivities than there have been days of the week. Each one has been really delightful. I figured I would share some highlights. Also, (more than) some pictures.

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My week started with two events at the Subdireccion (the office where I work). The first was a baby shower. Now, I haven't worked in many offices in the United States, but I don't imagine that the co-workers' baby showers are as intricate as this one was. Varenya and I, the Subdireccion's ETA's, helped to set up. We stuck big, glittery, foam decorations to the walls, and arranged a place setting for each person. We played a few games. If you lost, you had to wear the diaper on your head. I think I wore it gracefully when my time came. Next, there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony to induce the English learning center, an accompanying breakfast for the invited guests, and a toast with fruity wine to follow. It was very intricate. What I think impressed me the most were the little details. The scissors to cut the ribbon were hand wrapped with pink ribbon, embellished with small roses, and placed on a pillow that was hand-trimmed with more ribbon. All of the guests wore tags that read "Opening Ceremony." Varenya told me that each of these tags was cut out of a long sheet of paper, rolled with a floral design, and adorned with a homemade red bow. No detail was left unadorned.

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After those celebrations, I went to ones commemorating Mexico's Independence Day. The events leading up to the 16th can best be described with three words: food, food, and food. I ate all of it, and it was delicious.

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It's really special to celebrate the 16th in Atlacomulco. Not only is it Independence Day, it also coincides with the main religious festival. It is the feast day of el Señor del Huerto. To celebrate it all, the fair comes to town. I'm here in Atlacomulco with three other TA's, Varenya, Daniel, and Annabel. Three of us are with the Fulbright, and Annabel is with the British Council (she's from London. Also, she's my roommate!). Annabel and I walked down to the fair, and we were both super surprised by how enormous it is! There are three ferris wheels, a ton of rides and events, and rows and rows of food vendors. It's paradisiacal.

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My favorite part of this amazing week was the fireworks in front of the church on the night of the 15th. First of all, it is the closest I have ever been to fireworks in my life. The event coordinators do section off an area around the display, but it's probably about six feet on either side. Second of all, the show is unlike anything I've seen in the USA. It is set up on a tower that is almost as tall as the church, and features a set of religious symbols that light up, spin around, and whistle when they are on fire. The exhibit included a spinning chalice, cross, and Holy Spirit dove. Our Lady of Guadalupe was also displayed in bright lights, but she didn't spin around.

After the tower goes off, there is another huge display that shoots out in every direction. I had to crane my neck all the way back to admire the lights that exploded feet above me. Red, white, and green glitter showered from the sky. I didn't notice right away (I was too distracted by the incredible exhibit) but I felt like I was a kid again. It was brilliant, it was dangerous, and it filled me with joy.

After we all joined in the traditional grito at 11 pm, and another set of fireworks shot out from on top of the government building, the emcee declared "Es luz, color, y alegría. ¡Es México!" (It's light, color, and joy. It's Mexico!). I think she captured it as succinctly as possible.

Each event this week has been, I think, and invitation to joy. Whether it is the whirl of colorful dresses, the hysterical laughter of high school girls whose hair is filled with confetti, a parade of precious preschoolers, or a loud and incredibly bright display of light, I have received invitation upon invitation to experience a joy that is capable of filling your heart. Walking back from the fireworks and seeing kids play with the same, cheap, light up toys I once coveted, I felt incredibly happy to be in a place that has invited me into the same joy I sought at age six.

*If you click on the pictures in this post, you'll find a written description about them